Normally, these posts begin with this: “Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon?” Well, today is a bit of an exception, because it’s actually a two-star review. But when you figure out the book, you’ll see why I couldn’t pass this one up. So here we […]

"It's almost as if he grew a tree in a garden and didn't allow any of the leaves to grow on it at all, it's just the bare bones of a tree, and asked me to come in and decorate the tree. But without that strength of that tree, nothing would hold up on it." LeUyen Pham and Victoria Stapleton talk about the fabulous picture book Bear Came Along.

A gorgeous picture book that imparts its message of kindness and renewal with precise words and delicate illustrations. Perfect for fans of Michelle Cuevas’s The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles or Julie Fogliano’s If You Want to See a Whale

A great choice for any collection, this story offers comfort and solace to any young reader who has experienced the sadness of moving and separation, while simultaneously offering a sense of hope that distance doesn’t mean they’ve completely lost a friendship and that there are always opportunities to find new friends

Recommended for general collection for public libraries as all families will find familiarity within this book. The soothing illustrations, rhyming text, and calm tone makes for an excellent addition to any bedtime routine

While government policies of forced removal have no doubt contributed to the loss of important tribal ties, as may be the case for Falcon, this attempt at sharing a nebulous Indigenous identity employs too many tropes to be recommended

This timely, realistic story filled with lots of heart yet devoid of a pat ending is sure to capture readers’ interests and spark contemplative conversations around global issues and activism. A must-have for teen and new adult collections

The simple story and colorful illustrations successfully combine to spark readers’ imaginations, and serve to make bedtime feel more like an adventure than an interruption of fun. Recommended for general purchase

This work of whimsy is clearly a celebrity vehicle, and even as a sequel, it falls flat. Libraries where the first book is popular may want to consider this one. Everyone else can pass on this sub-par sequel

Timely issues combine with dynamic action and charming characters in this captivating sequel. The backstory provided makes this a solid read even for those who haven’t read the first entry. Make some shelf space for multiple copies of this series

This heartfelt story about a nonbinary teen will empower readers. Ben's journey is not always easy, but it is full of love, affirmation, and eventual happiness. This story, this representation, this example is so needed.

Popularity comes, popularity goes. As librarians we’re always balancing between what will circulate like crazy and what we need to have in the collection. And we’re not the Library of Congress – we can’t (and shouldn’t) keep everything. An endangered series is one that appears to be waning in terms of popularity. But popularity isn’t everything. Should it […]

Wrack my brain though I have, I can't think of a picture book that specifically discusses the mispronunciation of the protagonist's name. I mean, we've had lots of name-related picture books. My Name Is Yoon. Chrysanthemum. The Name Jar. Alma. But about the way you say it specifically? Hmmm.

Hafsah Faizal and Nafiza Azad are debut Muslim fantasy authors, and both of their #OwnVoices YA novels are out this week. Here, they talk to each other about world-building, intersectional feminism, subverting stereotypes, and more.

Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? what was the moral of it? “Don’t eat before you sow?” “Never lose sight of your mother?” “If a bear follows you don’t panic but talk to it?” “Berries will help you survive the winter?” Click here for the […]

PICTURE BOOKS ARE SHOCKINGLY GREAT I love them too, kid. I love them too. I CAN PLAY THE TUBA Ann Patchett, well-known for her books for adults, has written a picture book. I’m always fascinated to hear how authors who write for grown-ups end up writing for kids. Patchett’s story begins with a chance encounter […]

A refreshing and unique take on the typical dinosaur book, though librarians may want to reinforce the panoramic images or keep this for lesson plans or programming, as the fold-out pages could be easily torn after a few circulation cycles

Broader in scope and more current than similar single-volume works for middle grades such as Dan Green’s Basher Science: Technology, but unsystematic in organization and free of leads to further information. Best suited for browsing

When I left school on Friday, I was on top of the world. I had just received official word from the publisher that The Very Last Castle had reached the #1 spot . . . . . . of my school library. Suddenly, I noticed I was holding my head a little higher. My chest, […]

Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? I admit – I’ve given up. It’s back at the library, unfinished yet again. Clearly this is not my cup of tea – no offense, Bilbo. Click here for the answer. Why do I share these? Click here. Previously […]

HOW YOU GET SMART By reading children’s nonfiction, of course (side note: A Fuse #8 Production been telling us this for years). The proof? The guy who’s on the most lucrative Jeopardy hot streak in history. Click here to read. DO YOU LIKE CASE COVERS? Mel at Let’s Talk Picture Books has added to her […]

HOW YOU GET SMART By reading children’s nonfiction, of course (side note: A Fuse #8 Production been telling us this for years). The proof? The guy who’s on the most lucrative Jeopardy hot streak in history. Click here to read. DO YOU LIKE CASE COVERS? Mel at Let’s Talk Picture Books has added to her […]

Don’t look now, but writing longhand is making a comeback (or maybe it never left?). So, people interested in the hand-written word, I made this guide for you. A straightforward list of common editor’s marks and what they mean. I think that’s all of them. I hope this was helpful!

Lou is determined to make this summer the best one ever and she has just the plan to do it. It's not a great plan. It's not even a good one. In fact, it's pretty terrible. Will her scheming bring her closer to her crush or obliterate her most important relationship?

Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? Reading this story to a really young child might confuse them because a “wump” and a “gox” are not real things. Click here for the answer. Why do I share these? Click here. Previously . . . One Star […]

The National Student Poets are a group of five high school juniors and seniors who act as literary ambassadors for a year. In honor of National Poetry Month, they recommend five books for their fellow high schoolers.

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